Trying times at the 'Burn

David O'Leary • Published 20 Aug 2010 09:30 0 Comments

WALKERBURN Rugby Club have made an impassioned plea for players as their squad number drops to an all-time low of 18.

The new season begins in a fortnight’s time and the 126-year old club approaches it with only 12 first-team players available due to injuries.

Last season the Caberston Haugh side had a playing contingent of 25 but this has been drastically reduced this year due to retirements.

Walkerburn who play in the Regional East Division 2 face Queensferry on Saturday September 4 and there are fears that they may in fact not be able to field a team in the season opener.

Walkerburn Director of Rugby Ian Watson believes a lack of interest among locals twinned with the drawing of young talent away by Peebles RFC has resulted in the club’s current plight.

He said: “We’re dying a slow death, tt would be an utter to shame to see the club go, there’s great tradition here but we just ain’t attracting the players.

"Young lads are just not interested and if they are then the best ones go and play for Peebles.

“It would be really sad for the village if the rugby club went the way of the mills.”

Ian, an SRU qualified coach who received 24 caps for Hong Kong in his playing career, joined the club last year and guided them to a respectable mid-table finish.

The 51-year-old believes the club have everything in place to become a fine team but just need one crucial component: players.

He said: “It’s like that film, Field of Dreams in a way. We’ve got two pitches, a fine clubhouse and apart from the Greenyards in Melrose, there may be nowhere more beautiful to play rugby in the Borders.

"All we need are the players, anyone young or old who fancies giving it a go and has a passion for rugby then get in touch.”

Walkerburn train each Tues and Thurs night on the back pitch at Caberston Haugh in the village at 7pm. Those wishing to get involved can either turn up then or contact Ian on 01896 870 570.

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This article appeared in Peeblesshire News 20 Aug 10

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